Patent Grant
11191699
The present disclosure relates to a portable thermoelectric-cooling and heating case that holds an object, such a medical device, medicaments, etc. and regulates a temperature of the object to maintain recommended storage temperature conditions.
Certain medical conditions require regular administration of medications. Other physical conditions may also require the repeated administration of medication either temporarily or on a lifetime basis. Some medications, however, are subject to degradation of storage life (e.g., lifespan), efficacy, potency, and even safety (i.e., they may become toxic) if they are not stored properly. For example, exposure to light, humidity, temperature, etc. may have an adverse effect on certain medications. In fact, drug manufacturers may provide explicit user instructions regarding storage of medications. For example, users may be instructed to store medications at room temperature, to not expose medications to extreme cold or heat, to store medications in a refrigerator, to protect medications from light, etc. Even further, because of the sensitivity of certain medications, mobility of the users who use these medications may be limited. As such, these types of medications require not only storage in a temperature-regulated environment, but such storage must be portable. However, existing storage apparatuses for regulating the temperature of medications are generally bulky, are difficult to transport and/or are functionally limited.
Thus, a need exists for a technical solution for providing a thermoelectric-cooling and heating case that is not only configured to regulate the temperature of an object (e.g., medication) stored therein, but that is also easily transportable.
The present disclosure provides a description of a system and method for regulating temperature of a personal and portable thermoelectric-cooling and heating case.
A personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case includes a first rigid chamber configured to accommodate electronic circuitry. The first rigid chamber extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a thermoelectric-cooling device. The personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case also includes a temperature regulated second rigid chamber that includes a bay structure configured to accommodate an item that is subject to temperature regulation. The temperature regulated second rigid chamber (i) extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and includes a first end portion and a second end portion, (ii) is coupleable to the first rigid chamber in a lengthwise direction, and (iii) includes a direct heating element thermally coupled to the bay structure. The first rigid chamber and said temperature regulated second rigid chamber together form a housing.
A method of regulating temperature of a personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case, the method includes coupling a first rigid chamber, configured to accommodate electronic circuitry, to a temperature regulated second rigid chamber in a lengthwise direction, wherein the first rigid chamber extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a thermoelectric-cooling device. The temperature regulated second rigid chamber (i) includes a bay structure configured to accommodate an item that is subject to temperature regulation, (ii) extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis and includes a first end portion and a second end portion, and (iii) includes a direct heating element thermally coupled to the bay structure. The method also includes measuring, by a thermistor, a temperature of the bay structure of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber, wherein the thermistor is in thermal contact with the bay structure.
The scope of the present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Included in the drawings are the following figures:
Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
References are made herein to the attached figures. Like reference numbers are used throughout the figures to depict like or similar elements of the personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating device. It should be understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments are intended for illustration purposes only and are, therefore, not intended to necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.
The First Rigid Chamber
The first rigid chamber 110 extends lengthwise along a longitudinal axis LA and is configured to accommodate electronic circuitry. The first rigid chamber 110 includes a first end portion 111, a second end portion 112, a processor 119 (shown in
The processor 119 (discussed in more details herein) of the first rigid chamber 110 is the logic circuitry that responds to and processes instructions and/or commands that drive the thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100. The processor 119 communicates with each electronic component of the thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 and controls their respective functions (as discussed in more detail herein).
The input devices 114 and display 115 (see, e.g.,
The cooling weldment 200 includes a thermoelectric-cooling device 124 (shown in
The thermoelectric-cooling device 124 may be a Peltier heat pump configured to cool the bay structure 123 and, thus, cool an item within the bay structure 123. In one embodiment, the Peltier heat pump may be a single Peltier (as shown in
The conductive element 117 is in thermal contact, via, e.g., a thermal paste, with the thermoelectric-cooling device 124 and is configured to be inserted through a hole 128A of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 and a hole 128C of the bay structure 123. The conductive element 117 is configured to transfer heat from the bay structure 123 to the thermoelectric-cooling device 124 in order to cool the bay structure 123.
The heat dissipating structure 144 (e.g., heat pipes) includes a first end portion 144A and a second end portion 144B (shown in
The fan assembly 140 (shown in
The first rigid chamber 110 is also configured to receive (and house, via a battery holder 113A shown in
The memory (not depicted) included in the processor 119 of the first rigid chamber 110 is configured to store temperature data associated with the temperature regulation of the bay structure 123 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120. In some embodiments, the stored temperature data may include a single temperature as inputted by a user via the input devices 114. In other embodiments, the stored temperature data may include a range of temperatures. In such embodiments, for example, the range of temperatures may include a first threshold value (e.g., a minimum temperature value) and a second threshold value (e.g., a maximum temperature value). Another alternative is to have a controlled temperature in a range over time, such as no longer cooling and/or warming the chamber before scheduled use or activation of a temperature change by user through the input devices 114 or opening of the second rigid chamber 120 using a sensor device 128 (described below), as might be desirable or appropriate for the item or material being stored.
The Temperature Regulated Second Rigid Chamber
The temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 of the thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 extends in a lengthwise direction along a longitudinal axis of the thermoelectric-cooling and heating case and is coupleable to the first rigid chamber 110 in the lengthwise direction. In some embodiments, the first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 are removeably coupleable via a snap-type mechanism. In particular, in such embodiments, the first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 may be formed of parts that snap together through interlocking flanges, or the like, to prevent casual opening. For example, the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 may include a female component configured to receive a male component of the first rigid chamber 110.
The first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120, when coupled together, form a housing 130. In some embodiments, the housing 130, formed by the first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120, is a contiguous structure. In other embodiments, the housing 130 is a bifurcated structure with a first part formed by the first rigid chamber 110 and a second part formed by the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120. In yet other embodiments, the housing 130 may be a clamshell design with bias hinges to maintain it in an open position once opened past a certain point, and otherwise biasing the two halves together to close the housing 130 and protect its contents.
The housing 130, formed by the first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 130, is a solid, rigid, self-contained shell. In preferred embodiments, the housing 130 does not utilize any soft, mesh, or flexible encasements as supporting structure. However, in some embodiments, the housing 130 may be encased in a removeable decorative and/or softening cover. The housing 130 (and thus the first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 130) may be injection molded or machined. The housing 130 may further be water and fire-proof or resistant.
As shown in
The first end portion 121 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 is configured to receive the bay structure 123 (see, e.g.,
The elevated ridge 129 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 (shown in
The bay structure 123 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 and is configured to accommodate an item that is subject to temperature regulation (e.g., insulin pens, insulin vials, vaccines, epinephrine other medications and materials, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the bay structure 123 may be shaped and dimensioned as a tube to hold vials or an injection pen, e.g., in the case of insulin and/or vaccines. Alternative embodiments allow for multiple items, either by enlarging the temperature regulated second chamber or duplicating it for inclusion with the bay structure or structures 123 that can be coupled with the first rigid chamber 110.
The bay structure 123 extends between the first end portion 121 and the second end portion 122 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 and is comprised of a heat conductive element, for example, copper, other metals or nearly any other heat conductive materials. The bay structure 123 defines a hole 128C, which is aligned with the hole 128A defined in the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120. The hole 128C is configured to receive the conductive block 117 of the thermoelectric-cooling device 124. The bay structure 123 is also configured to be in thermal contact with the thermistor 116 and the direct heating element 125 for regulating the temperature of the bay structure 123 (and an item accommodated within). The bay structure 123 may further be wrapped or otherwise covered in a thermal material.
The bay structure 123 may further include a sensor device 128 (see, e.g.,
In some embodiments, the bay structure 123 may include a spring-loading mechanism, such that an item is “spring-loaded” into the bay structure 123, and when the cap 127 is removed, the item within the bay structure springs up and slightly out of the bay structure 123.
The thermistor 116 (also referred to as a temperature probe or temperature sensor), shown in
The direct heating element 125 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120, may include a flexible heating plate (e.g., a flexible polyimide heater plate, heating element or plate, or heater cartridge) located within a portion of a periphery of the bay structure 123 and is attached to the bay structure 123 in a non-thermally (e.g. industrial glue) or thermally conductive manner, including, for example, intermediately positioned thermal paste, thermal epoxy, solder, etc.
The memory, of the processor 119, stores temperature values among other data. For example, a user may input, via the input devices 114, a temperature range (including a first threshold value and a second threshold value) within which the bay structure 123 is to be maintained. The processor 119 receives the inputted temperature range from the input devices 114 and stores it in the memory. The thermistor 116 measures the temperature of the bay structure 123 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 and transmits a temperature measure signal (including the measured temperature of the bay structure 123) to the processor 119. The processor 119 receives the temperature measure signal from the thermistor 116, converts the temperature measure signal to a signal that is then used through programming in the processor 119 to cause either the direct heating element 125 (e.g., Flexible Polyimide heater plate—see, e.g.,
Process for Regulating Temperature
In step 402, the first rigid chamber 120, configured to accommodate electronic circuitry, is removeably coupled to the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 in a lengthwise direction. For example, the first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 may be removeably coupleable via a snap-type mechanism. In particular, in such embodiments, the first rigid chamber 110 and the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120 may be formed of parts that snap together through interlocking flanges, or the like, to prevent casual opening. Alternatives can include other mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, slide connections (e.g. the first and second chambers have male and female slides for e.g., sliding together in an axial direction with a snap or detent to keep them from freely sliding once in place), cords and belt clamps, magnets (e.g., rare earth, matching magnets or magnet and matching ferrous metal plate or surface), shrink-wrap, and nearly any other mechanism or combination of mechanisms for detachably attaching the first and second chambers. One would balance the difficulty in attaching and detaching the first and second chambers with the secureness of the coupling, but in normal applications it should resist when, e.g., in a pocket or otherwise confined space it would not come apart in normal use.
In step 404, the thermistor 116, which is in thermal contact with the bay structure 123 of the temperature regulated second rigid chamber 120, measures a temperature of the bay structure 123.
In step 406, the thermistor 116 transmits a temperature measure signal, which includes the measured temperature of the bay structure 123, to the processor 119 of the first rigid chamber 110 for processing and analysis.
In step 408, the processor 119, at 408a, controls the thermoelectric-cooling device 124 such that the thermoelectric-cooling device 124 cools the bay structure 123 and activates a fan 126 when the temperature of the bay structure 123, included in the temperature measure signal received from the thermistor 116, is above a first threshold value, and at 408b, controls the direct heating element 125 such that the direct heating element 123 heats the bay structure 123 when the temperature of the bay structure 123, included in the temperature measure signal received from the thermistor 116, is below a second threshold value.
In some embodiments, the process may further include the input devices 114 of the first rigid chamber 110 receiving user inputs including at least a power setting of the personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 and a temperature setting of the bay structure 123, and the display 115 displaying the user inputs received by the input devices 114.
In other embodiments, the process may further include the sensor device 128 (see, e.g.,
While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system and method have been described above it should be understood that they have been presented for purposes of example only, not limitations. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implements are possible within the scope of this invention. For example, the personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100, via the processor 119, may be further configured to export data regarding usage and/or diagnostics and connect to/communicate with monitoring devices that would alert the user whether his/her blood sugar is too high. The personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 may be configured to track the milligram usage according to weight of a medicament housed in the bay structure (e.g., via a sensor). For example the personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 may include such a sensor that self-weighs the entire case 100 and subtracts a tare value (weight of the case when the bay structure 123 is empty) to detect the weight of the remaining medicament. The personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 may further include a pressure sensor (not shown) on the bay structure 123 to assist in determining whether the bay structure 123 is being cooled sufficiently. The personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 may further include a hazmat reservoir. Because Insulin pens have removable cap-style needles that are interchangeable between uses, the hazmat reservoir would be used to store fresh or used needles securely so they can be disposed of appropriately. In the case of housing vials or an injection pen, the bay structure 123 may be filled with a gel to aid in the cooling of the vials or the injection pen and extend the length of time the bay structure 123 remains cool or warm. The personal thermoelectric-cooling and heating case 100 may be further configured to turn off the display and lights when the case 100 is not in use for a predetermined period of time and to further initiate an alarm for low battery. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of the disclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.
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| 8225616 | Wilkinson et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
| 10071019 | Lüpges | Sep 2018 | B2 |
| 10722427 | Cantor | Jul 2020 | B2 |
| 20150305979 | Tintinger | Oct 2015 | A1 |
| 20200224964 | Alexander | Jul 2020 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
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| 2 427 236 | Mar 2012 | EP |
| 3156088 | Mar 2018 | EP |
| 2010128493 | Nov 2010 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63115341 | Nov 2020 | US |
